Leeds Rhinos have signed Toulouse Olympique prop Justin Sangare, Rugby League Live understands. Rohan Smith is set to make the French international his first addition for 2023 after impressing for the promoted Super League club this year.
The 24-year-old is believed to have put pen to paper on a deal that will take him to Headingley next season after seven seasons in the Toulouse first team. Highly-rated, Sangare debuted as an 18-year-old and has now established himself as a regular starter under Sylvain Houles, missing just one of their games so far this season.
It is perhaps his defensive stats that stand out, a positive for Leeds in a season where their defence through the middle has been a cause for concern. He has averaged just under 20 tackles per game with an efficiency rate of 94%.
